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(11) | EP 2 695 610 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Food supplement for improving connective tissue health |
(57) A liquid food supplement comprising collagen, glucosamine derivatives selected from
glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetylglucosamine, L-carnitine, hyaluronic acid and
at east one between a black pepper extract and a maca extract and vitamins and minerals
particularly suitable for increasing proliferation and motility of connective tissue
cells.
Field of the invention
[0001] This disclosure concerns a food supplement particularly suitable for improving the health of the connective tissue.
Background of the invention
[0002] The main functions of the skin are to provide to the body a mechanical protection and a chemical barrier able to restrain the foreign substance penetration, to prevent water or endogenous fluid loss and to keep a constant temperature. In addition, the skin also protect against ultraviolet irradiation and pathogen invasion.
[0003] Skin is subject to deterioration through dermatological disorders, environmental condition (wind, air conditioning, heating) or through the normal ageing process which may be accelerated by exposure of the skin to sun (photoageing).
[0004] In recent years the demand for cosmetic compositions and cosmetic methods for improving the appearance and condition of the skin has grown enormously.
[0005] The cosmetic and dermatological industry aims to prevent the skin dehydration, the appearance of dry skin or of fine lines and wrinkles by topical application of creams and lotions containing ingredients able to improve the skin quality.
[0006] This effect is, however, only local and the benefit is only provided to the part of the skin where the lotion or the cream are applied, that is on the outer skin layer, namely the epidermis.
[0007] In contrast, the dermis - the layer localized between the epidermis and the subcutaneous tissues - which consist of connective tissue and confers elasticity and firmness to the skin is not easily achievable by local application.
[0008] The use of ingredients that can improve the skin condition is beneficial especially when they are orally administrated thanks to the blood and interstitial fluids delivery system that distribute them to the whole body and to the entire thickness of the skin.
Summary of the invention
[0009] The object of this disclosure is to provide a food supplement for improving connective tissue health, particularly by increasing connective tissue cells proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins through the synergistic effects exerted by its ingredients.
[0010] According to the invention, the above object is achieved thanks to the subject matter recalled specifically in the ensuing claims, which are understood as forming an integral part of this disclosure.
[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a food supplement comprising collagen, at least one glucosamine derivative, L-carnitine and hyaluronic acid.
[0012] In another embodiment, the food supplement also comprises at least one between black pepper extract and maca extract.
[0013] In a further embodiment the food supplement herein described also includes vitamins, minerals, additives, and flavouring substances.
Detailed description of the invention
[0014] In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. The embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.
[0015] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0016] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0017] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a food supplement comprising collagen, glucosamine derivatives, L-carnitine and hyaluronic acid.
[0018] The food supplement herein described is able to stimulate connective tissue cells. In addition, it also exerts an anti-ageing effect.
[0019] The food supplement herein described can be realized both in liquid or solid form, i.e. by mixing the ingredients in solid form or by lyophilizing the liquid preparation.
[0020] The food supplement herein described comprises collagen in an amount between 1 and 10 g/50 ml, preferably in an amount between 2 and 7.5 g/50 ml, more preferably in an amount between 3 and 5 g/50 ml. The collagen used in the liquid food supplement can be hydrolyzed collagen, preferably deriving from a fish source.
[0021] The hyaluronic acid is present in an amount between 0.25 and 10 mg/50 ml, preferably in an amount between 0.75 and 6 mg/50 ml, more preferably in an amount between 1 and 3 mg/50 ml.
[0023] Glucosamine hydrochloride is present in an amount between 1 and 3000 mg/50 ml, preferably in an amount between 500 and 1800 mg/50 ml, more preferably between 750 and 1250 mg/50 ml.
[0024] N-acetylglucosamine is present in an amount between 1 and 30 mg/50 ml, preferably in an amount between 2 and 15 mg/50 ml, more preferably in an amount between 3 and 7 mg/50 ml.
[0025] L-carnitine is present in an amount between 1 and 400 mg/50 ml, preferably between 100 and 300 mg/50 ml, more preferably between 150 and 250 mg/50 ml.
[0027] Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin and confers tensile strength and elasticity.
[0028] Hyaluronic acid is able to retain and hold moisture playing an important role in maintaining hydration and a youthful look of the skin.
[0029] It has been shown that both collagen and hyaluronic acid decline with age leading to a loss of the skin elasticity and to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
[0030] Glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetylglucosamine are a source of glucosamine, which is an essential component of the connective tissue. Glucosamine provides the building blocks for the formation of hyaluronic acid, which is beneficial to skin and joint hydration and is essential to provide cartilage with its deformable resilience.
[0031] L-carnitine is mainly found in the skeletal muscle tissue and plays a key role in muscle bioenergetic. L-carnitine has been shown to have a potential role in tissue recovery after intense regular physical exercise
[0032] Due to an unexpected synergy among the effects exerted by its main ingredients, i.e. the collagen, the glucosamine derivatives, the L-carnitine and the hyaluronic acid, the food supplement herein described leads to an improvement of connective tissue structure and hydration.
[0033] In another embodiment, the food supplement also comprises at least one between a black pepper extract and maca extract.
[0034] The black pepper extract, known to enhance bioavailability of several substances by increasing their gastrointestinal absorption, can be present in an amount between 0.2 and 5 mg/50 ml, preferably between 0.8 and 4 mg/50 ml.
[0035] The maca extract can be present in an amount of 1 to 40 mg/50 ml, preferably 15 to 25 mg/50 ml.
[0036] The present Inventors found that adding the black pepper extract and the maca extract to the food supplement a further potentiating effect was obtained: 1) increased bioavailability of active ingredients; 2) improved physical and mental conditions.
[0037] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the liquid food supplement herein described also includes at least one among: vitamins, minerals, additives and flavouring substances.
[0038] The vitamins useful in the food supplement are any vitamins known to have a health benefit to consumers.
[0039] Preferably, the vitamin is selected from the group consisting of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, biotin and other water soluble vitamins.
[0040] Vitamin B6 brings energy and vitality. Vitamin B3 can contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and the normal function of bones, teeth, cartilage, gums, skin and blood vessels. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of muscle function. Biotin contributes to the maintenance of hair.
[0041] The minerals selected for the liquid food supplement are known for their beneficial effects to hair.
[0042] Preferably minerals are chosen between Zinc and Copper. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of hair. Copper contributes to the maintenance of hair and skin pigmentation. Copper contributes to the maintenance of connective tissue.
[0043] The additive is preferably selected among citric acid anhydrous, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, DL-malic acid and sucralose.
[0045] Lactones, esters, aliphatic higher alcohols, ketones, aromatic aldehydes, aromatic alcohols, thioethers, fatty acids, propylene glycol, ethanol, glycerol (glycerine) were used to formulate the flavor base.
[0046] Table 1 reports the content range of the ingredients that can be included in the water based food supplement as described above.
Table 1
| Ingredients | Content range/50 ml |
| Collagen (hydrolysed fish collagen) | 1-10 g |
| Hyaluronic acid | 0.25-10 mg |
| Glucosamine hydrochloride | 1-3000 mg |
| N-acetylglucosamine | 1-30 mg |
| L-carnitine | 1-400 mg |
| Maca extract | 1-40 mg |
| Black pepper extract | 0.2-5 mg |
| Vitamins | 0-800 mg |
| Additives | 0-1100 mg |
| Minerals | 0-20 mg |
| Flavouring substances | 0-400 mg |
Example 1.
[0047] The food supplement in liquid form comprising the ingredients reported in Table 2 below has been prepared first by mixing and dissolving at a temperature of 60+5°C in a mixing tank water, hyaluronic acid, hydrolysed collagen, glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetylglucosamine, L-carnitine, citric acid anhydrous, DL-malic acid, sucralose, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin D, vitamin B12 (hydroxocobalamin), D-Biotin, Zinc and Copper. Then water is added into the mixing tank lowering the temperature to 50±5°C. Finally, the flavouring substances are also included. After mixing all the ingredients, water is added in order to adjust the volume to 50 ml.
Table 2
| Ingredients | Content/50 ml |
| Collagen (hydrolysed fish collagen) | 4 g |
| Glucosamine hydrochloride | 1 g |
| N-acetylglucosamine | 5 mg |
| L-carnitine | 200 mg |
| Hyaluronic acid | 5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) | 1.7 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 2.4 mg |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 150 mg |
| Biotin | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.005 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.00038 mg |
| Zinc | 1.5 mg |
| Copper | 0.15 mg |
| DL-Malic acid | 100 mg |
| Sucralose | 5 mg |
| Citric acid anhydrous | 675 mg |
| Flavouring substances | 140 mg |
| Water | 92 g |
Example 2.
[0048] The food supplement in liquid form comprising the ingredients reported in Table 3 below has been prepared first by mixing and dissolving at a temperature of 60±5°C in a mixing tank water, hyaluronic acid, hydrolysed collagen, glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetylglucosamine, L-carnitine, citric acid anhydrous, DL-malic acid, black pepper extract, sucralose, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), maca, vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin D, vitamin B12 (hydroxocobalamin), D-Biotin, Zinc and Copper. Then water is added into the mixing tank lowering the temperature to 50±5°C. Finally, the flavouring substances are also included. After mixing all the ingredients, water is added in order to adjust the volume to 50 ml.
Table 3
| Ingredients | Content/50 ml |
| Collagen (hydrolysed fish collagen) | 4 g |
| Glucosamine hydrochloride | 1 g |
| N-acetylglucosamine | 5 mg |
| L-carnitine | 200 mg |
| Hyaluronic acid | 5 mg |
| Maca extract | 20 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) | 1.7 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 2.4 mg |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 150 mg |
| Biotin | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.005 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.00038 mg |
| Zinc | 1.5 mg |
| Copper | 0.15 mg |
| DL-Malic acid | 100 mg |
| Sucralose | 5 mg |
| Black pepper extract | 1.5 mg |
| Citric acid anhydrous | 675 mg |
| Flavouring substances | 140 mg |
| Water | 92 g |
[0049] The liquid food supplement realized as described above administered to humans increased the proliferation and motility of connective tissue cells and the synthesis of ECM proteins. In particular, the liquid food supplement intake reduced skin dryness, improved skin firmness and elasticity and exerted a putative anti-ageing effect.
1. A food supplement comprising collagen, at least one glucosamine derivative selected
between glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetylglucosamine, L-carnitine, hyaluronic
acid and at least one between a black pepper extract and a maca extract.
2. A food supplement according to claim 1, wherein said collagen is present in an amount
between 1 and 10 g/50 ml, preferably 2 and 7.5 g/50 ml, more preferably 3 and 5 g/50
ml.
3. A food supplement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said hyaluronic acid is
present in an amount between 0.25 and 10 mg/50 ml, preferably in an amount between
0.75 and 6 mg/50 ml, more preferably in an amount between 1 and 3 mg/50 ml.
4. A food supplement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said L-carnitine
is present in an amount between 1 and 400 mg/50 ml, preferably 100 and 300 mg/50 ml,
more preferably 150 and 250 mg/50 ml.
5. A food supplement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said glucosamine
hydrochloride is present in an amount between 1 and 3000 mg/50 ml, preferably in an
amount between 500 and 1800 mg/50 ml, more preferably in an amount between 750 and
1250 mg/50 ml.
6. A food supplement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said N-acetylglucosamine
is present in an amount between 1 and 30 mg/50 ml, preferably in an amount between
2 and 15 mg/50 ml, more preferably in an amount between 3 and 7 mg/50 ml.
7. A food supplement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said beverage
further comprises at least one among: vitamins, minerals, additives and flavouring
substance.
8. A food supplement according to claim 7, wherein said vitamins are selected among:
vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, biotin.
9. A food supplement according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said additive is selected among:
citric acid anhydrous, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, DL-malic acid
and sucralose.
10. A food supplement according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said flavouring substance
is selected among: mango essential oil, apple essential oil.
11. Non-therapeutic use of a food supplement according to any one of the preceding claims
to improve skin quality by increasing connective tissue cells proliferation.